Herbal Soap Blog: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Essential Oils for Common Summer Ailments

Essential oils can be used to ease the effects of many common summer ailments. Nearly every essential oil, with the exceptions of lavender oil and tea tree oil, should never be ingested nor applied directly to the skin due to their strength in their concentrated forms. Always mix them with a carrier base, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or a herbal soap. Before using an essential oil to treat one of your summer ailments, be sure to consult your physician first.

The recommended essential oils for your summer ailments are listed below:

Athletes Foot - This ailment can be treated with Tea Tree oil, which is antifungal, antiviral, antibiotic and antiseptic in nature. Add 10-20 drops of this oil to a footbath and then soak your feet in it for about fifteen minutes, three times every day. Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes. In addition, you an also apply 2-3 drops of the oil to a cotton ball and then dab the area.
Bruises - Bruises are especially common during the summers. So, to reduce bruising and swelling, you must soak a piece of cloth in cold water and wring out the excess water. Then add about 2-5 drops of Lavender oil. Hold the cloth on the affected area for about fifteen minutes.
Burns - Burns are also treated with Lavender oil using the same technique as you would for bruises. Lavender oil is one of the only few aromatherapy oilsthat can be added directly to the skin. Add about 3 drops to a cotton swab and dab the area.
Dry Skin - Relief from dry skin can be obtained by using Rose, Sandalwood or Lavender oil. Rose is floral, Sandalwood is earthy and Lavender is herbal. Combine these oils with carrier oils or a skin lotion or cream and apply to your skin.
Fatigue and Exhaustion - Geranium is a good essential oil to use for comforting and healing purposes. It helps bring back balance to the body. Add about 10 drops to your bath water and let it soak for fifteen minutes. Or, combine and gently massage it onto your skin.
Insect Bites - Insect bites cause swelling, itching and redness and relief can be found by using Tea Tree oil or Lavender oil. Since both these oils can be applied directly to the skin, the best way to apply them is to add 2 drops to a cotton ball and then dab on the affected area. If there are many insect bites, then add 10 drops to your bath water and let it stand for fifteen minutes.
Insect Repellant - Make an insect repellent concoction by combining Witch Hazel or Olive oil with Citronella or Clove oil. Use 10 drops of any carrier oil to 1 drop of the essential oil. Clove can cause irritation so use carefully. Place is a spray bottle and shake before you use each time.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Benefits of Pineapple Soap

Pineapple Soap has numerous skin care benefits. It removes dead skin cells and helps remove blemishes by softening and removing debris from our pores. Some practitioners of alternative medicine apply pineapple juice to she skin because it acts like an inti-inflammatory drug and can lessen the symptoms of certain types of arthritis. A list of skin care benefits is below:

Rich in Vitamin C

1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks (165 grams) has 131 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C value. This vitamin helps produce collagen, a protein that aids in repairing the skin.

Removes Dead Skin Cells

Pineapple has high concentrations of malic and citric acid. These acids in pineapple soap help lift and wash away dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin.

Cleans Pores

Bromelain, a pineapple enzyme, softens proteins and thereby loosens pore debris for deeper cleansing when used in soap

Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Drug

Some patients topically apply pineapple enzymes to help speed healing of bruises, sprains and strains and treat swelling, tenderness and pain.

Relieves Pain

Some health practitioners use pineapple enzymes topically, such as in soaps, as alternative medicine to relieve pain from types of arthritis. They claim that pineapple enzymes function much like an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen.

Be sure to use sunscreen when using pineapple soap as the acidity may cause the skin to burn easier. All in all, however, pineapple soap is a wonderful herbal soap that many people may not know of.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Essential Oil Chart for Herbal Soap Making

Check out this list of essential oils that can be used for making your own herbal soap:

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/essential-oil-chart.html

Almost any combination of herbs and essential oils can be added to your handmade soaps. Experiment and enjoy!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Skin Care Benefits of Olive Oil in Herbal Soap

Some herbal soap recipes call for the use of olive oil. Olive oil has many natural skin care benefits, some of which are listed below.

Renews Skin Cells

Olive oil contains many antioxidants that neutralize the effects of free radicals, which have been shown to lead to skin cancer and the aging of skin. Olive oil is also rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, which are the essential vitamins for overall skin health.

Anti-inflammatory

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a soothing enzyme, which relieves pain and inflammation.

Moisturizes

Olive oil is a natural humectant, meaning it draws and holds in moisture in a light protective layer over the skin. It is mild and gentle and useful for dry, flaky, chapped,and sensitive skin.

For more information on olive oil, visit http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/benefits-of-olive-oil.html

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cold Process Soap Recipe

Check out this cool herbal soap recipe:

Recipe

8 oz Coconut Oil

1.0 oz Jojoba Oil

11.20 oz Olive Oil

8 oz Palm Oil

1.6 oz Palm Kernel Flakes

1.0 oz Shea Butter

1.3 oz Sweet Almond Oil

4.5 oz Sodium Hydroxide

10.5 oz Distilled Water

1.5 oz Moonlight Pomegranate

1.5 oz Moroccan Mint

1 Tablespoon Shredded Loofah

1 Teaspoon Super Pearly White

9 Bar Baltic Birch Mold

ONE: In your soaping gear (gloves, goggles and long sleeves) prepare your Lye Water.

TWO: Heat/melt and combine the Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Palm Oil and Sweet Almond Oil. Then mix in the Shea Butter until fully melted and incorporated.

THREE: Carefully add your Lye water to the oils and mix with your stick blender.

FOUR: Once all of the ingredients are combine split the batch in two containers (make sure they're big enough to mix in). Does not have to be perfect but try to eyeball it the best that you can.

FIVE: In one half of the batter, add 1 tablespoon of shredded loofah and 1.5 ounce of Moonlight Pomegranate fragrance oil. Mix well. Moonlight Pomegranate is an Advanced Soaper Fragrance; it will want to separate on you but if you keep mixing and mixing and mixing with the stick blender you’ll get it to incorporate. The fragrance combo is worth the effort! But, if you want something easier because you're not quite sure you want to deal with a fragrance that likes to separate? Mangosteen or Berry "I smell horrible out of the bottle but soap up way nicer" Wine would be great with Mint!

SIX: Pour this layer into your lined, 9 Bar Baltic Birch Mold.

SEVEN: In the second half of your batter, add about ½ teaspoon of Super Pearly White mica and 1.5 ounce of Moroccan Mint fragrance Oil. Give it a mix with the stick blender and pour the second layer.

EIGHT: Carefully smooth the top layer out with your spatula. Leave as is or texture the top of your soap using a spoon or whisker. Have your dividers assembled already and carefully place them in the mold.

NINE: Let the soap harden up for 24 hours and it’s ready to unmold and cure for 4-6 weeks.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Rosemary Herbal Soap Benefits

Herbal soap with rosemary essential oil stimulates skin cell renewal. It is believed to improve dry or mature skin, eases lines and wrinkles, and heals burns and wounds. Rosemary is traditionally believed to help clear acne, fight blemishes and dull dry skin by fighting bacteria while normalizing sebaceous secretions. Rosemary improves circulation and can reduce the appearance of broken blood capillaries and varicose veins. Rosemary essential oil is believed to help overcome mental fatigue and sluggishness by stimulating and strengthening the entire nervous system. Rosemary improves mental clarity while aiding alertness and concentration. Rosemary oil is great for stressful conditions and helps you see things from a clearer more mindful perspective.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Health Benefits of Lavender Herbal Soap

Lavender has many benefits when used as an ingredient in herbal soap.

Reduces Tension and Stress

The lavender herb has a soothing scent that eases headaches and nausea. Aromatherapists widely use lavender oil to help patients deal with the symptoms of stress. The lavender herb can also reduce tension in your body and can reduce muscular aches and pains. Lavender oil alleviates anxiety and depression because it has a calming effect on the nerves.

Induces Sleep

Lavender is believed to have mild sedative properties that benefit people who suffer from insomnia.

To induce sleep, keep lavender flowers close to your pillows or bed sheets. Or you can apply lavender oil to a piece of cloth; inhale the scent from the cloth.

Treats Minor Respiratory Ailments

The lavender herb has been used in the treatment of respiratory ailments such as asthma, colds and coughs. It helps expel mucus, clear the respiratory pathway and ease breathing. Because it also relaxes the tissues in your bronchial lining, the lavender herb can speed up your recovery.

Treats Skin Problems

Lavender possesses antibacterial properties that help in the treatment of skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, infections and burns. It is also anti-inflammatory, which makes it a good choice for faster healing. The lavender herb can help soothe skin affected by insect bites or sunburn. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cuts and scrapes because it hastens the healing process by forming new tissue.

Apply the lavender herb to your skin in the form of a balm or oil.

Improves Circulation

The herb also aids in blood circulation, so it can help reduce the severity of blood pressure problems and heart ailments. It is also beneficial for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. It helps relax muscles and alleviate pain.

Add lavender oil to a warm bath or apply it as a massaging rub on your body.

Disinfects

Because the lavender herb has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, you can use it in cleaning solutions for your home. This herb offers multiple advantages because of its sweet fragrance and its ability to disinfect.

You may also apply lavender oil to your skin to act as a topical disinfectant.

Treats Digestion Problems

The lavender herb may even reduce excessive bloating and gas. For people who have trouble consuming enough food, lavender may help improve appetite.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Interesting Soap Facts

The world produces 10 billion pounds of soap per year. The U.S. makes and uses about one-third of this amount.
Per capita soap consumption is highest in the U.S. at 25 lbs/person, followed by the Netherlands (24 lbs/person) and the United Kingdom (20 lbs/person). Other per capita consumption rates: Japan, 7 lbs/person; Brazil, 6.8 lbs/person; Russia, 5.7 lbs/person; British India, 4 oz/person; and China, 2 oz/person. The world average is 6.6 lbs/person.
In the U.S., 85% of soap is used for laundry, 12% for toiletry uses, and 3% miscellaneous. For the entire world, 92% of soap is used for laundry.
The use of soap dates back to 2800 BC, when Babylonians made it by mixing water with alkali and cassia oil in clay cylinders.
Historically, soap was made by mixing animal fats with lye. This was a dangerous procedure which could easily result in serious chemical burns or blindness due to the caustic lye. Before lye was produced on a commercial level, it was produced at home by using the ashes from a wood fire.
Early Romans made soap out of urine in the first century A.D. Urine contains ammonium carbonate which was reacted with the oils and fats found in sheep’s wool for a partial saponification. People called fullones walked the city streets collecting urine to sell to soap makers.
In the 1500s, most people got married in June because they took their annual baths in May and, according to the standards at that time, still smelled pretty good by June. However, they started smelling a little bad by the time the wedding came around, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers with them to hide the odor. This is where we get today’s custom of brides carrying a bouquet of flowers at their wedding.
In medieval Europe, soap was seen as a great source of revenue by the government so heavy taxes were imposed upon it. This tax went as high as 3d per pound. Tax inspectors had to lock up soap boiling pans at night in order to prevent illegal production. This tax was repealed in 1835. Prior to this, the government was making £1 million a year from it.
Most soaps purchased in stores aren’t soaps at all; rather, they are bars of detergent. The process of soap making results in a bar that contains glycerin, which is a very good skin moisturizer. Commercial companies remove this glycerin and sell it for other purposes, resulting in a bar of detergent instead of a bar of soap. The glycerin is replaced with cheaper synthetic chemicals which can be harsh on our skin.
There are several different stories about where we get the name “soap”. One comes from an ancient Roman legend that states that the name comes from Mount Sapo, a mountain on which animals were sacrificed. Whenever it rained, the water flowed through a mixture of melted animal fat and ashes and into the Tibet River below. Woman who washed their clothes in this river noticed the mixture made their clothes cleaner and began calling the mixture soap.

Interesting Soap Facts

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1. The world produces 10 billion pounds of soap per year. The U.S. makes and uses about one-third of this amount.

2. Per capita soap consumption is highest in the U.S. at 25 lbs/person, followed by the Netherlands (24 lbs/person) and the United Kingdom (20 lbs/person). Other per capita consumption rates: Japan, 7 lbs/person; Brazil, 6.8 lbs/person; Russia, 5.7 lbs/person; British India, 4 oz/person; and China, 2 oz/person. The world average is 6.6 lbs/person.

3. In the U.S., 85% of soap is used for laundry, 12% for toiletry uses, and 3% miscellaneous. For the entire world, 92% of soap is used for laundry.

4. The use of soap dates back to 2800 BC, when Babylonians made it by mixing water with alkali and cassia oil in clay cylinders.

5. Historically, soap was made by mixing animal fats with lye. This was a dangerous procedure which could easily result in serious chemical burns or blindness due to the caustic lye. Before lye was produced on a commercial level, it was produced at home by using the ashes from a wood fire.

6. Early Romans made soap out of urine in the first century A.D. Urine contains ammonium carbonate which was reacted with the oils and fats found in sheep’s wool for a partial saponification. People called fullones walked the city streets collecting urine to sell to soap makers.

7. In the 1500s, most people got married in June because they took their annual baths in May and, according to the standards at that time, still smelled pretty good by June. However, they started smelling a little bad by the time the wedding came around, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers with them to hide the odor. This is where we get today’s custom of brides carrying a bouquet of flowers at their wedding.

8. In medieval Europe, soap was seen as a great source of revenue by the government so heavy taxes were imposed upon it. This tax went as high as 3d per pound. Tax inspectors had to lock up soap boiling pans at night in order to prevent illegal production. This tax was repealed in 1835. Prior to this, the government was making £1 million a year from it.

9. Most soaps purchased in stores aren’t soaps at all; rather, they are bars of detergent. The process of soap making results in a bar that contains glycerin, which is a very good skin moisturizer. Commercial companies remove this glycerin and sell it for other purposes, resulting in a bar of detergent instead of a bar of soap. The glycerin is replaced with cheaper synthetic chemicals which can be harsh on our skin.

10. There are several different stories about where we get the name “soap”. One comes from an ancient Roman legend that states that the name comes from Mount Sapo, a mountain on which animals were sacrificed. Whenever it rained, the water flowed through a mixture of melted animal fat and ashes and into the Tibet River below. Woman who washed their clothes in this river noticed the mixture made their clothes cleaner and began calling the mixture soap.